Catalonia explores the potential of its geothermal energy with the Geonergía-Cat 2030 Plan

The Catalan Energy Institute (Icaen) and the Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya have signed an agreement to initiate the elaboration of the ‘Strategic Plan to promote the energetic exploitation of geoenergy in Catalonia in the 2030 horizon’. The objectives of the Geonergía-Cat 2030 Plan are to explore the potential of the different types of geothermal energy in Catalonia and to carry out a diagnosis and forecast of the evolution of technological development for its exploitation. It will also identify the measures and actions needed to take advantage of this indigenous renewable resource in order to contribute to the decarbonisation of the different sectors of the Catalan economy.

The Plan will also present an assessment of the potential of surface geothermal energy and deep geothermal energy, for which Catalonia has a very favourable geological context, and will also evaluate the geological storage capacities, whether for cold and heat or for energy carriers such as hydrogen. Based on this diagnosis, a set of strategic lines and specific actions and measures will be proposed to take advantage of this potential and overcome any barriers that may be limiting its use. A timetable will also be drawn up for the implementation of these measures in the 2030 horizon.